Thermo-physiological Comfort of Woven Fabrics Made from Different Cellulosic Yarns

Abstract

ABSTRACT Cellulose is the most abundant substance existing in the form of plants on the earth. These fibers are obtained either directly or indirectly from the seed, leaves, stem, or wood of plants. Cellulosic fibers are preferred for apparels owing to their abundance, ease of processing, biodegradation, and compatible with the human body in terms of better moisture management, thermal regulation, and tactile comfort. In this study, woven fabric made of four different cellulosic yarns, i.e. cotton, bamboo, tencel, and viscose were produced, and their thermo-physiological comfort properties were compared. The linear density of yarns, and thread density and weave structure (3/1 twill) of all the fabrics were kept constant on the weaving machine. Air permeability, thermal resistance, and moisture management tests were carried out to analyze their thermo-physiological comfort properties. The results showed that cotton fabric showed higher air permeability and thermal resistance as compared to other cellulosic fabrics. Whereas the moisture management properties of tencel fabric were superior to the rest of cellulosic fabrics. Moreover, the effect of cellulosic materials on air permeability and moisture management properties of the woven fabrics was found statistically significant.